Volatile liquids for cosmetics, cyclic and linear

• Volatile on the skin
• Upon evaporation, they leave a soft, dry, velvety feel without residue or build-up
• Make-up: Volatile carrier in pigment dispersions
• Aerosol: Replacement for organic solvent
  • Reduces stickiness
  • Non-clogging of nozzles
  • No cooling effect upon evaporation 
• Stick: Non-acky, easy to apply without drag
• Sunscreen: Solvent for actives and dispersing aid for micronized oxides
• Emulsions: Soft, smooth feel and pleasant application with a unique skin feel

Volatile linear silicones, such as dimethicones, provide a smooth application and evaporate quickly, helping to create a light, non-greasy texture in products like serums and lotions. They improve the spreadability of products and give a silky feel without leaving residue.

Volatile cyclic silicones (cyclomethicones), such as cyclopentasiloxane, are often used in makeup and hair care products. They ensure a smooth, easy application and evaporate quickly, leaving a light and fresh feeling on the skin or hair. These properties make them ideal for formulations that require a soft finish without heavy residue.

Cyclopentasiloxanes are widely used in cosmetics due to their benefits such as:

Hydration: They create a protective barrier on the skin that retains moisture and hydrates the skin.

Smooth texture: They give a silky and smooth feeling to the skin and hair.

Easy Application: They make products easier to apply and spread quickly.

Protection: They help protect the skin from irritants and allergens.

They are commonly found in products such as skin creams, shampoos, conditioners, and makeup products

The differences in viscosities of cyclopentasiloxanes in cosmetics can significantly affect the performance of the product:

• Low viscosity : Makes the formula feel lighter and absorbs faster, ideal for serums and light lotions.

• Medium viscosity : Used in creams and gels, it provides a balance between lightness and long-lasting hydration.

• High Viscosity : Creates thicker, richer products such as heavy creams and balms that provide a long-lasting protective layer.

Depending on the application, choose the right viscosity to achieve the desired effect and texture of the cosmetic product.

D5 in cosmetics: what is changing and what are the alternatives?

Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) is covered by the European REACH restriction on D4, D5 and D6 (Annex XVII, entry 70, Regulation (EU) 2024/1328). In wash-off (rinse-off) cosmetics a maximum of 0.1% has applied since 31 January 2020. From 6 June 2027 the same maximum applies to leave-on cosmetics such as deodorants, creams, make-up and hair serums. The limit applies per substance in the finished product, including residues that enter the formulation through other silicones. The restriction is based on environmental grounds (D5 is very persistent and very bioaccumulative), not on health risks to the user.

What does this mean for your formulation?

• If you are developing a new product for the EU market, choose a D5-free volatile carrier from the start.
• If you have an existing formulation with D5 or with a D5-containing blend (such as BRB 1840), plan the reformulation well before June 2027, including stability and sensory testing.
• For your product dossier, request the D4/D5/D6 residue specification for every silicone raw material.

D5-free alternatives from our range

• Silicone Oil 1.5 cSt (INCI: Dimethicone): linear and volatile, evaporates at roughly the same rate as D5. Note the lower flash point (57 °C).
• Silicone Oil 2 cSt (INCI: Dimethicone): linear and volatile, evaporates slightly more slowly, flash point 87 °C.
• Caprylyl Methicone: moderately volatile, light and silky, mixes well with oils and esters.
• BRB 1740 (INCI: Dimethicone (and) Dimethiconol), on request: D5-free alternative to the gum blend BRB 1840. The carrier is non-volatile, so combine it with one of the volatile carriers above for a comparably light finish.

CM 50 Cyclopentasiloxane (D5) and BRB 1840 remain available for applications in which they are still permitted. Not sure which volatile silicone suits your formulation best? Email us at info@siliconesandmore.com and we will be happy to help.

The graph below shows how quickly different volatile silicones evaporate.